Civil Service Title: Quality Specialist RN
Under general direction, the Quality Specialist (RN) (Quality Integrator RN) manages, performs and coordinates highly specialized and essential quality management integration activities for the Office of Correctional Medicine’s Expansion & Project Management Section within assigned facilities in accordance with policies and standards of performance. This position requires travel to, including but not limited to, correctional facilities within certain and specified regions within the State of Illinois.
Region 1 includes the following counties: Bureau, Carroll, Fulton, Hancock, Henderson, Henry, Jo Daviess, Knox, Lee, Marshall, McDonough, Mercer, Ogle, Peoria, Putnam, Rock Island, Stark, Stephenson, Tazwell, Warren, Whiteside, Winnebago, Woodford.
Sign-On Bonus: $5,000 with a one year employment commitment.
#IND1
25% of time
1. Provides professional nursing research, consultation and quality management advisory input to OCM partner facilities by assisting the creation, review, implementation and training of clinical policies, procedures and educational materials for correctional health services. Works as part of a multi- and inter-disciplinary team to solve quality management challenges and recommend action plans for improvement. Performs duties collaboratively with partner facilities by observing correctional healthcare clinical and workflow practices as directed and identifying gaps in performance, opportunities for improvement, continuous process improvement, and other quality and change management efforts related to the delivery of healthcare to justice involved individuals. Collaborates with clinicians, administrators and other staff in regional partner facilities to design, promote and drive best quality management standards and practices.
20% of time
2. Applies extensive knowledge of clinic operations and clinical experience to accurately assess infection prevention/control and specimen collection and nursing/healthcare service delivery processes. Participates as a consultant in the implantation of chart review tools, standards of care, outcome measures, etc. Researches and utilizing best practices and appropriate quality management standards and tools, investigates, plans, organizes, interprets, observes and analyzes various sources of information and clinic workflows in support of quality management reports and University and/or departmental business operations. Conducts research assignments involving the evaluation, selection and compilation of data and information from a wide variety of sources; prepares reports which require the synthesis or integration of a variety of subject areas or the summation of the individual contributions of staff members or sub-units. Gathers and maintains statistical data for administrative reports, clinic utilization statistics, utilization reviews; reviews and analyzes of complex data provided by the staff, as well as from additional sources, including qualitative surveys, quantitative audits and evidence-based best practices and literature reviews. Provides comprehensive and timely reports and detailed analysis for administrative use.
15% of time
3. Works with OCM headquarters to communicate directly to partner facilities the results of leadership and QMOE surveillance/audits/reviews, including but not limited to, mortality and morbidity review outcomes; standards, performance and accountability reviews. Develops, recommends and/or implements performance improvement in clinical practice and infection control initiatives as necessary. Makes clinical judgments based on evidence-based standards of care, review criteria and nursing practice guidelines when applicable.
4. Provides clinical expertise and participates in the a) design of audit methods and instruments to measure performance and service delivery, b) identification of opportunities for improvement, c) development of action plans for resolution of issues identified by partner facility leadership and/or OCM headquarters, d) site visits, reviews and audits. Coordinates, assists, trains and evaluates quality management processes regularly in specific segments and as assigned. Performs routine inspections and quality tests in partner facilities. Analyzes and makes recommendations for staff training needs. Identifies clinical problem areas and recommends correction of deficiencies. Develops, implements and maintains systems to ensure effective and high-quality nursing care.
15% of time
5. Reviews, evaluates, develops, and interprets OCM, partner and stakeholder policies and operational procedures and communicates updates to OCM headquarters. With input from OCM leadership staff, answers complex nursing inquiries and resolves problems that require the interpretation, explanation, and justification of quality management and programmatic policies and procedures. Produces documents which may be proprietary or highly sensitive and confidential.
5% of time
6. Serves as a coordinator, facilitator or liaison to partner facilities, committees, teams and outside organizations as assigned. Provides authoritative information, assistance, and advice to departments, various constituencies, stakeholders. etc. Participates on various committees and/or attending professional conferences.
5% of time
7. Maintains an overall awareness of organizational activities of import or impact to the designated member(s) of the unit staff and the unit; develops and trains OCM staff and partners on ethical, compassionate and none non-judgmental aspects and techniques needed in the performance of services.
5% of time
8. Performs other related duties as assigned
